endomyocardial fibrosis
Last reviewed 01/2018
This is a disease of unknown aetiology that affects African children and young adults.
Pathologically, it is characterized by:
- fibrosis of endocardium which may extend to include the inner third of the myocardium
- inflammatory infiltration at the junction between scar and normal myocardium
Scar contraction reduces ventricular volume and results in a restrictive cardiomyopathy. The mitral and tricuspid valves may be involved.
Endomyocardial fibrosis may occur in association with eosinophilic endomyocardial disease in temperate zones.